PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The second cheer for this year was held at SRJK Vivekananda, PJ. It was the Deepavali Cheer. More than 60 students from the lower economic background enjoyed the feeling that there are people who care for them. It was organized by PDG Dato’ Dr Low Teong who unfortunately was unable to be present because he had to attend to some Rotary commitment in South Korea. Datin Ann Jackie graciously took over the role. I must apologize that I was unable to be present as well. This is the first time that the Deepavali Cheer did not have a clown to entertain them. Instead the students were shown a movie called ‘Nemo’ and it was their choice. It was a good movie with a moral that children need to grow up and be independent. But the movie was a bit too long, almost 2 hours. I could see the Rotarians and Anns fidgeting. The children, however, were quiet in concentration. Indeed it was a successful cheer. I wish to express my gratitude to the Senior Assistant of the school, Pn. Malar for identifying the students to come to the cheer. And also to the teachers who were present. Thanks also goes to our Rotarians, Dr Low Teong, Chris Ng, Pancha, Swee Fatt and Eric. A big thank you to PP Tara Singh Gill for sponsoring the ‘duit Deepavali’. To the Anns as well, Ann Penny Yong, Ann Rohini, Ann Jackie and Inner Wheel lady, Yew Hoon. Two Rotaractors Zen and Lalitha were also present to assist. Thank you. 

There will be no meeting next Tuesday in view of the Deepavali holiday on Monday. The next meeting will be held on 4th November. It will be an evening meeting and the talk is on hospice. It is an interesting topic that will reach out to caring Rotarians. So please bring along your Anns and invite guests for the evening.

In the next two weeks, the RCPJ will be very busy. On top of the agenda, there will be the visit of our District Governor, Dr Rajindar Singh. Our DG will be with us on the 10th and 11th of November. On the 10th, our DG will meet our Interactors and Rotaractors at Sri Thai. He will also meet the principal officers of the RCPJ on the same day. In the evening, a dinner will be hosted at the residence of PP Goh Seng Chuan. Thank you, Seng Chuan for doing it again. I really appreciate it. Then on the 11th, our DG will be at our luncheon meeting to give his views of our Club. We welcome our DG. I would appeal to all Rotarians to be present for the evening and the luncheon meeting. We need to show support for our DG. Please bring along your Anns for the evening of the 10th.

There will be a Board meeting on the 30th. And a fund-raising meeting will also be held earlier to take stock of the sales of tables and advertisements. And on the 5th of November, two meetings – the International and Club will be held at the residence of PP Goh Seng Chuan.

PENNY AND I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL ROTARIANS AND ANNS WHO CELEBRATE DEEPAVALI ‘A HAPPY DEEPAVALI’.

What’s the basis for changing road names throughout the country? The changes should not be ad hoc. They should listen to public opinions because the streets belong to the common people. They walk along there. They do business there. To ignore the people smacks of arrogance. More notable names had been changed. I know Mountbatten Road is no more. It was a major attraction during X’mas time because of the colourful lights. Davidson Road suffered the same fate. Foch Avenue is a name of the past. What had happened to Birch Road?

We can’t change history. The names of some roads reflect our history, even though they sound colonial. But they are the history, heritage and culture of our nation that we should be proud of. There’s something to talk about to our children when they ask about a road that doesn’t sound Malaysian.

Those in power to change names must consider the sensitivity of the people. And more importantly, the history and heritage of the place.

With two decades of service to MIM, Margaret can be seen as a reflection of these virtues. She did not jump off the sinking ship when MIM suffered or was affected greatly in high staff turnover, low staff competency, loss of institutional memory and a weak business model. As a COO of MIM, Margaret is making her presence felt as the challenges are taking shape in various positive ways. Courses associated with franchising, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, international computer driving licence and other courses that address the needs of society have been developed and established. MIM is an established organization in management with 42 years of experience. It is supported by many well-known professionals and organizations. It is indeed a surprise that MIM does not receive any financial support from the government. Whatever funds that are received are through membership fees that could be individual or corporate. I think it should receive fair support from corporates through their CSR programmes.

MIM, as stated by Margaret, is a certified professional body that has 112 certified trainers. I have undergone a programme by MIM and it was very professionally delivered in terms of teaching and materials. Perhaps greater marketing strategies could be injected into MIM so that it could become a household name in management training.

We thank you Margaret for giving us the insights into MIM through the years and the challenges that you are now facing in turning round this establishment. I am sure you can do it. Rotarians of the RCPJ wish you well in this. 

An older, white-haired man walked into a jewellery store one Friday evening with a beautiful young blonde at his side. He told the jeweller he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweller looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring. The old man said, "No, I'd like to see something really special."

At that statement, the jeweller went to his special stock and brought another ring over. "Here's a stunning ring at only $50,000," he said.

The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement.

On seeing this reaction, the old man said, "We'll take it."

The jeweller asked how payment would be made and the old man stated, "I'll pay by cheque. Obviously, I know you need to make sure my cheque is good, so I'll write it now and you can call the bank first thing on Monday morning to verify the funds are there and I'll pick the ring up on Monday afternoon," he said.

The jeweller said that would be fine, and the happy pair left the shop.

On Monday morning, the jeweller phoned the old man and said, "I've checked with your bank, sir, and I'm afraid the sale's off, because there's no money at all in your account."

"I know that," said the old man, "But let me tell you about my weekend!"